A Recommendation to the U.S. Permanent Representative to UNESCO

Boston’s Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, a sculpture by Saint-Gaudens

I recommend that the U.S. delegation to UNESCO arrange for a showing of the American Masters show on Augustus Saint-Gaudens. He was the greatest American sculptor of the 19th and early 20th century, and his sculpture includes important tributes to Lincoln and the Civil War memorial shown above. His work is included in the most important American museums, He was also the first American sculptor to be recognized in France. The Saint-Gaudens home and studio in New Hampshire, which was the center of an important art colony, is now maintained by the National Park service as a national historical site.

The hour long show is very good, and its showing by the U.S. delegation would both be entertaining and help acquaint the UNESCO related community in Paris with the depth and history of American high culture.

John Daly
(The recommendation is mine alone, and does not necessarily represent that of Americans for UNESCO).